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The first “fortified” home on the West Coast

A new West Seattle house is the first west of the Rockies to earn a national certification for its ability to withstand disasters.

The “Fortified…for safer living” designation goes to homes that meet varying standards, based on the types of disasters likely in an area, according to the Institute for Business & Home Safety, a Tampa, Fla., nonprofit that is supported by the insurance industry and oversees the certification.

The idea is to minimize losses from disasters at a time when they’re happening more often, be that because of climate change or some other cause, Wendy Rose, the institute’s media relations manager, said during a Tuesday tour of the West Seattle home.

“Ours is not to decide why it’s happening,” she said. “We just know disasters are more prevalent.”

Roof-to-wall and wall-to-foundation connections that can withstand wind gusts up to 130 miles per hour;

A metal roof that resists wind, hail and fire while being light enough to minimize shaking momentum during an earthquake;

A secondary moisture barrier under the roof covering to prevent water intrusion;

Windows and doors that better withstand wind and water.

The standards make sense, particularly for earthquakes, said Karl Newman, president of the NW Insurance Council.

“The geologists at the UW say it’s not a matter of if we have the big one, but when,” he said during a visit to the house.

If more people have such homes, “that’s less people who need help following a disaster,” he said.

Newman said he wasn’t sure if fortified homes would cost less to insure, noting that insurers base rates not only on potential risks, but also on the cost to rebuild, which could be higher.

Building a home out of concrete generally costs an extra 5 to 10 percent, compared with wood, said Bruce Chattin, executive director of the Washington Agregates and Concrete Association. But, he said, concrete homes are sturdier, faster to build, are 40 to 50 percent more energy efficient and have less risk of mold, mildew and pests.

A wood home could get a fortified certification using straps and ties, said Paul Barnett, producer of the NextGen Home Experience, which showcases construction advancements.

“I would call this a platinum fortified home,” he said. “We’re not advocating that every home be built like this.”

The certification complements others that cover issues like environmental friendliness and energy efficiency, Barnett said, adding that the West Seattle house also meets Built Green and Energy Star criteria.

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